Guy Walker (67) is a retired director of JCB, the well-known machinery manufacturer. He was educated at Oundle School and did two years National Service in the RAF. He represented both in Athletics as a sprinter.

In 1957 he joined Benford Ltd - manufacturers of Concrete Mixers and Dumpers - as a Management Trainee and worked on many major contracts including the first 63 miles of the M1. He also has experience of manufacturing and selling Vibration Equipment and Electric Generators.

Joining JCB as National Accounts Manager he converted all the big name companies into JCB customers, negotiated sales to the Royal Family and entertained Ambassadors, Cabinet Ministers, Politicians and Captains of Industry. He also oversaw the purchase and rebuilding of JCB's London Office. He retired in 1997 after eleven years as a director.

Invited to join the Rycotewood Corporation in 1999, he sat on the Audit and Remuneration Committees, the latter of which he chaired. He was heavily involved in the sale of Rycotewood Campus which is providing sunstantial capital for Oxford and Cherwell Valley College .

Guy is a member of the Lighthouse Club - the Construction Industry Charity, and having been Welfare Officer, Secretary and Chairman of the London Branch, has sat on the National Council since 1992. He is married with two daughters and three grandchildren and lives in Amersham, plays social golf and bridge, and enjoys the theatre and gardening.